Thanks and Happy New Year

For my final entry of the year I thought I’d simply share with you what I wrote today to all of my clients. I think the message is applicable to everyone.

It is just before 2:00pm on the final day of 2012. Fortunately the Mayans were wrong and we’re all still here to be thankful that 2012 is about to pass into history. I, for one, am looking forward to welcoming the new year and saying a (not quite so fond) goodbye to this one. This year has been a very difficult one on so many levels: politically, economically and climatologically. We marveled at the Arab Spring where much of the Middle East saw political upheavals. We watched the European Union rush to the brink of collapse, yet somehow manage to remain solvent for another year. In this country we survived an interminable political process that culminated in the reelection of President Obama. We struggled all year with a stagnant economy and a withering march towards the Fiscal Cliff. We endured a number of catastrophic weather events around the world, including right here in the New York area as Sandy ravaged our coastal communities. Most recently we also watched in horror at the news of another deadly rampage leaving many innocent lives lost to senseless violence. 

Yet through it all, we survived to raise a glass tonight to toast our friends and loved ones and to appreciate all the blessings that we have as citizens of the United States. Notwithstanding all of the troubles I’ve listed above, and the hundreds of daily problems and inconveniences that we all struggle with, we are all blessed to live here, in the country that affords us the greatest freedoms and opportunities on this planet. We must always remember to not only appreciate how fortunate we are, but to never take it for granted. 

Personally, I have so much to be thankful for, not the least of which is the continued faith and support of each of my wonderful clients. I’ve been in business for over 15 years now and I could not have done it without each and every one of [them]. I never take for granted the trust that [they] place with me and I appreciate it very much. And while I approach every year with a certain amount of caution, and next year is no different, I am growing more and more optimistic about the future. While we may have another few years of choppy times ahead of us, and we will certainly deal with at least one recession before things really turn around, I think we’re headed again toward a period of unprecedented change and prosperity. I’m not sure exactly when that time will begin, but I am sure that it will occur. Within a few more years we will start to benefit from advances in medicine and technology that we can barely conceive of today. Cures will be found for disease, people will live longer and better, there will be tremendous advances in communications, advances in biotechnology and nanotechnology will create businesses and riches that cannot yet be imagined. Trust me, it will be an exciting time to be alive and we will benefit from the journey.

For now though, we will continue to be vigilant and prudent. We will continue to work together to ensure that your financial goals and aspirations can be met. So thank you again for working with me for another year. I very much look forward to serving you again for years to come. 

So, for those of you who are not my clients (and why aren’t you??), I extend the same message and wishes to you. Cherish your friends and loved ones, and remember to never take your many blessings for granted. Happy New Year and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2013.